What are the manifestations of somatization disorder?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Somatic symptom disorder often manifests as diverse and recurrent physical discomforts, primarily including pain in multiple areas, gastrointestinal disturbances, palpitations, breathing abnormalities, and sensory disturbances. Emotional regulation is important for improving symptoms of somatic symptom disorder; stress can be alleviated through relaxation training, cultivating interests, and similar methods. Regular作息 (daily routines) and moderate exercise can also help reduce the frequency of symptom episodes.
Somatization disorder is often characterized by diverse and recurrent physical discomforts, mainly including pain in multiple areas, gastrointestinal disturbances, palpitations, breathing abnormalities, sensory disturbances, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pain in multiple areas: Pain may occur in the head, back, joints, and other regions, with varying qualities such as distending pain, stabbing pain, or dull aching. The severity of pain often correlates with fatigue and emotional fluctuations. Pain episodes lack a clear pattern; some individuals experience worsened pain during emotional stress, and relief after rest is usually minimal, significantly affecting daily activities.
2. Gastrointestinal disturbances: Common symptoms include nausea, acid reflux, bloating, loss of appetite, or frequent diarrhea, which show little correlation with diet. Discomfort may worsen after eating, and symptoms become more pronounced during periods of anxiety. Medical examinations typically reveal no identifiable organic gastrointestinal disease.
3. Palpitations: Individuals may suddenly experience rapid heartbeat and feelings of uneasiness even when emotionally stable. Some may also report chest tightness. These palpitations are not caused by structural heart problems and tend to occur more frequently during emotional distress or increased stress, though they can also arise unexpectedly during calm states.
4. Breathing abnormalities: Patients often feel breathless or short of breath, frequently taking deeper breaths even in quiet environments. In severe cases, chest tightness or suffocation may occur, and over-breathing can lead to numbness in hands and feet. No significant respiratory system abnormalities are found upon examination.
5. Sensory disturbances: Increased sensitivity to external stimuli such as light and sound causes irritation and discomfort even from mild bright lights or noises. Some individuals may experience formication (a sensation like insects crawling on the skin), itching, limb numbness, or tingling. Physical examination of the skin reveals no obvious abnormalities, and neurological evaluations show no definitive nerve damage.
Emotional regulation plays a crucial role in improving symptoms of somatization disorder. Stress reduction through relaxation training, developing hobbies, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and engaging in moderate exercise can help reduce the frequency of symptom episodes.
